Another week. Another late goal. Another draw. That seems to be the story of the season for United as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Goodison Park.
In what was a scrappy affair at the beginning, Zlatan Ibrahimović put United ahead in the 41st minute with an audacious lob, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg charged out of his goal, leaving it unmanned. Things started to open up in the second half, though, as Everton turned the heat on Mourinho’s men and finally were rewarded for their continued efforts.
Substitute Marouane Fellaini fouled Idrissa Gueye in the box leaving referee Michael Oliver with no choice but to award a spot-kick for the Merseysiders, which Leighton Baines took with aplomb to draw the home team level.
Everton piled on the pressure in the final few minutes of the stoppage time, but United managed to hold on to what is now their sixth draw of the season. The result leaves them 9 points off the fourth placed Manchester City, as the Champions League hopes keep getting bleaker for Mourinho.
On another disappointing night of Premier League night for the Red Devils, let’s assess how each player fared:
David De Gea – 7
Was hardly called into action in the first half. But that changed in the second half as he kept out some stinging shots from the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Idrissa Gueye and Enner Valencia. Went the right way for Leighton Baines’ penalty but couldn’t stop it from hitting the back of the net. Made another good save from the left-back in the dying moments of the game to save the draw for his team.
Antonio Valencia – 6
Decent performance from United’s right-back. Dealt with Tom Cleverley and Kevin Mirallas well, but could have contributed more going forward.
Phil Jones – 7
Continued his resurgence at the heart of the defence for United as he dealt with the threat of Romelu Lukaku admirably. Encouraging signs for United.
Marcos Rojo – 5
Was very lucky to get away with just a yellow card after a high two-footed lunge on Idrissa Gueye early in the first half. Had a hard time going up against Lukaku. Let Mirallas through on goal in the second half but De Gea managed to keep the Belgian out.
Matteo Darmian –5
The Italian looked uncomfortable at left-back. Was beaten for pace too easily at times by Yannick Bolasie in the first-half. Substitute Gerard Deulofeu too caused him troubles late in the second half, but he did manage to stop the crosses coming in from his side.
Michael Carrick – 6
Started attacks from the back, shielded his defenders, tidy in possession. Another classic solid performance by the veteran.
Paul Pogba – 5
Gave the ball away many times trying to take on the Everton players. Tried to do too much all by himself. His shooting also was way off the mark on the evening.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Very good but ineffective. His movement on and off the ball was excellent. Always offered his teammates an option. Ran hard at the Evertonian defence as United searched for a second to seal the game.
Ander Herrera – 7
The little Spaniard’s energy is mind-boggling, to say the least. Was solid in possession, got into decent attacking positions as well. Hit the crossbar after excellently controlling a high ball in the second half.
Anthony Martial – 6
Was constantly involved in United’s attacks but lacked the quality at times. Worked a lot defensively helping out Darmian on quite a few occasions.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6
Took his goal with a brilliant lob over Stekelenburg. But was guilty of dropping too deep at times and slowing down the game for United.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – NA
Late substitute. Did not have any impact on the game.
Marouane Fellaini – 1
Sent on to shore up the defence as United looked to hold on to their one-goal advantage, but the former Evertonian clumsily fouled Idrissa Gueye in the box leading to a penalty for the home team, which Leighton Baines scored from. Misplaced passes as United went forward looking for a winner in the last moments of the game. Mourinho must be regretting his decision of sending the Belgian on.